Sweet surprise for Sunrise staff

STAFF of a Wokingham care home had a sweet surprise last month as leaders made the most of a distanced celebration.

Sunrise of Sonning marked annual Carers Week by baking 140 personalised cakes for their staff.

The generous gesture, organised as an alternative to the raffle draw usually run for the occasion, was well received by colleagues including those who currently are unable to work.

General manager of sunrise of Sonning, Carmela Magbitang, who personally delivered the cakes to her team members, said: “I was contemplating how I could make everyone happy, so I came up with the idea of extending our gratitude to the families of our team members.

“For me, the families of our staff play a vital role in maintaining the wellbeing and sanity of our team members. Cakes were suggested as a way for our team members to share a gift with their whole families.

“I also believe that those who have been isolating orwho have been unable to come to work for whatever reason, definitely miss us here at Sunrise.

“I wanted to let them know that they haven't been forgotten as they are still members of the team.”

And reflecting on the day she received her delivery, team member Nathalie McLeish said: “Being at home for three months sounds like a dream.

“However, the reality is it’s very tough. Knowing that because your family is shielding you cannot do the job you love and support your wonderful colleagues through this tough time, leaves a lot of guilt.

“To know that, considering everything that is happening and how tirelessly everyone is working, they are still thinking about you and appreciate you, cannot be described in words. The cake is delicious and I’m sure won’t last long, but the gesture will never be forgotten.”

Another staff member at Sunrise of Sonning, Habiba Gara added: “I was expecting it to be an ordinary day, but then I was visited by my lovely manager. I didn’t knowwhat to expect from the visit but I was still happy to see her.

“I saw something in her hand and it was a cake, a delicious vanilla cake with strawberry.

“I loved it more than my kids did but that message made my day.

“It was so cute and heart-warming to read it, knowing I wasn’t forgotten.

“I was so, so happy and thankful.”